Topic: Best bit perfect soundcard for DAT transfers..

[phishn]

Which one should I invest in?  It doesnt have to be 24/96..just support up to what my dats are..16/48.

[Sean Gallemore]

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=11158

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=10598

[Simp-Dawg]

 

[phishn]

thanks..i know what the search button is and have used it.  i read those threads before posting mine.  still doesn't answer the question.  The only answer I see is an answer to which card is the most economic. (audiophile 2496)  I'm searching for answers to what the best cards are.  I'll make a purchase decision as to what best fits my needs, budget, and quality.

[zhianosatch]

Well, we can't answer that question unless we know what your needs, budget, and quality requirements are, big fella.

[phishn]

guess im looking for a list as to whats the best and how much they cost.  of course, cheaper doesn't always mean quality compromise.

[zhianosatch]

There is no universal "best."

[phishn]

^^ that must explain why you bang your head against the keyboard too..

[nickgregory]

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=11158

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=10598

both of these links give you names of all of the soundcards that are used.  Best....that is an opinion...the thread tells you which ones are bit perfect.  In terms of price, some of that is in there too, but look around, do an ebay or net search, and you will find what you need....

[Sean Gallemore]

guess im looking for a list as to whats the best and how much they cost.  of course, cheaper doesn't always mean quality compromise.

cost? retail? resale? ebay? of each item?

the audiophile2496 and delta dio 2496 and audiophile usb are $200-$250 retail, $100-$150 used.  They are all made by m-audio and claim to be bit-perfect at 24/96, though many will dispute the abilities of 24/96 transferability over USB.  The audiophile and delta dio have s/pdif i/o.
I haven't heard much about any troubles using these cards.  I see them in a lot of transfer sources, which implies to me they are both reliable and accepted amonst the community.

Phil Lucks over at SonicSense recommended the Echo MIA Midi to me. This card retails for $200 but can be had used for under $150 used.  I also had one person give their 2 cents and said it worked flawlessly.

The Ego Sys(tems) waveterminal is also tried and true but out of production.  Armen uses one and has no complaints.

I've only heard about the Lynx cards, never researched them but can be upwards of $500

to find out what's available , you can visit retailing websites such as sonicsense, cascade, oade, and soundprofessionals and find out what they have to offer.  Most of these websities have descriptions or links to descriptions from the manufacturers website that will help you determine if the product fits your needs.  If you have more specific questions about products such as their reliability, someone here has probably either tried or is currently using the item in question and would be happy to help you.

[zhianosatch]

that's probably the best post you've ever made, schwill.

[zhianosatch]

^^ that must explain why you bang your head against the keyboard too..

actually, no.

[Sean Gallemore]

that's probably the best post you've ever made, schwill.

doesn't make up for all the hundreds of megabytes of bandwidth I've wasted  

thanx btw

[Lee]

wow- an informative, thoughtful, and well organized post!

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU DO WITH SCHWILLY???

[Sean Gallemore]

i forgot to add that you can even use your UA-5 as a transferring device if the USB still works on it

[phishn]

thanks.  fyi, i have seen the audiophile 2496 new for $145 including shipping.  the ua-5 transfer is bit perfect via usb?

[F.O.Bean]

thanks.  fyi, i have seen the audiophile 2496 new for $145 including shipping.  the ua-5 transfer is bit perfect via usb?

no, all edirol and roland(i believe) are NOT bit-perfect!!!if you were using a ua-5 at the show, running mics in, then yes, it would be bit perfect, but when going digi in>ua-5, it is NOT bit-perfect!!!

and schwill, that was def your BEST POST EVER!!!! movin on up bro!!!

bean

[BobW]

On the least expensive side, but tested as bit-perfect, is the Zoltrix Nightingale.
Users group is here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZoltrixUsers/

I don't use one, so I'm just parroting others' posts. I did own one (cost $14), and had optical and coax(but I think was mini-plug).  Someone gave me a MIA that they couldn't get to work so I sold off the Nightingale before ever installing it.  The big failing with the Zoltrix is that the analog section can be noisy. The MIA is a bit better, especially with balanced in.

[RobC]

I use a MAUDIO DIO 2448  which is good enough for DAT transfers,  if I upgrade to laptop I will have to get a new soundcard as well.

Since the 2496 came out I think that the 2448 can be had cheep,  I got mine very cheep and it has worked great for me.

[phishn]

is the 2448 bit perfect like the 2496?

[F.O.Bean]

is the 2448 bit perfect like the 2496?

i believe so...

[phishn]

thats awesome then! Thanks RobC, didn't realise there was another model besides the 2496.  I have seen some 2448's  online for $69 new.  any reason why i would need a 24/96 pci desktop card?  If i ever did 24/96 it would be done recording via laptop..and I could transfer the wav files over the network to the desktop.

[nic]

not completely positive, but I think the 2448 is optical I/O, not coax(for s/pdif).
you might want to double check on that before you buy

[chase]

the reason i went for the DiO 2496 and not the 2448 was solely for playback purposes.  i think this is an important point to consider when purchasing one of these cards, especially with 24bit recordings becoming more widely available.  personally i think you will be happy with any of the m-audio cards.

another card that hasn't been mentioned is the philips audiowerk2, it is also bit perfect but i'm not sure of it's price or availability.

[phishn]

a potential snag for the 2448..i checked the website for windows XP drivers and here's what i found....

"DIO2448 November 21, 2001 1.0 114.99 KB DIO_WDM.exe  
     
  Release Notes   Windows 2000,Windows 98,Windows 98 SE,Windows ME,Windows XP

This is the original first release WDM driver for the DIO 2448 intended for use with Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 only. Subsequently installation in XP is possible with this pre-XP release driver.

Windows XP Users please note:

Windows XP will install its own files for the Crystal Audio chip found on the DIO-2448 from the driver cab archive that is part of Window XP system files. There is no way to install the M-Audio drivers in place of this.

SPDIF Output will not be available. MME will function for Media Players and MME sound applications such as Sonar, Sound Forge, etc...

To add ASIO support do the following:
1) Download this driver
2) Extract the files to a floppy disk or to a directory.
3) Go to Device Manager and open the \\\"+\\\" sign for Sound, Video and Game Controllers.
4) Select the Crystal Audio Soundcard.
5) Select Properties and Update driver.
6) Point the Windows Update Wizard to the floppy disk.

Once this is complete, the DIO-2448 will now support ASIO. "

So, this impacts SPDIF out when using windows XP with this card.  Wonder if it impacts SPDIF IN in any way and potentially makes this card not bit perfect due to the XP drivers taking over...
 

[hoobash]

If your thinking about the 2448 dont bother. It uses the same chipset as the zoltrix Cmi8738. You can get a new aopen card with a cmi8738 for $23

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-117-107&catalog=57&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1

[hoobash]

goto www.newegg.com look under soundcard>aopen its the $23 one

[zhianosatch]

I'll sell you mine for $10 + shipping when I get back to school in January.

[caymanreview]

i forgot to add that you can even use your UA-5 as a transferring device if the USB still works on it

on a modded ua5 the usb still works for input to a pc, but the playback via the usb is disabled

[phishn]

If your thinking about the 2448 dont bother. It uses the same chipset as the zoltrix Cmi8738. You can get a new aopen card with a cmi8738 for $23

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-117-107&catalog=57&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1

is this aopen card also bit perfect?

[zhianosatch]

yes. it's not the best card, but it's bit-perfect and it works.

[Swanny]

Heres a high end soundcard forum.  http://forum.rightmark.org/?id=4

[phishn]

Thanks everyone.  I ordered the Aopen card and now realize bit perfect is bit perfect..theres really not a difference in which card does it regardless if it costs 20 bux or 500 bux.  I have a good soundcard built in my motherboard that i use for output..was just looking for a card to only transfer bit perfectly from the dat.

[F.O.Bean]

Thanks everyone.  I ordered the Aopen card and now realize bit perfect is bit perfect..theres really not a difference in which card does it regardless if it costs 20 bux or 500 bux.  I have a good soundcard built in my motherboard that i use for output..was just looking for a card to only transfer bit perfectly from the dat.

let us know how it works!!

[zhianosatch]

Yeah, it'll work. Enjoy.

[phishn]

Hi all...installed the AOpen Cobra AW-850 card...had some issues transferring at first.  Sounded fine on the fly then noticed the right channel had tons of clicks.  These are not on the DAT with headphones plugged in.  So i screwed with the settings...and it works now.  The trick is to get the reverse spdif setting to work.  I did this by unplugging the power from the dat, and plugging it back in.  Now transfers are clear.

[phishn]

tons of clicks in the wav file that is.

[joeshambro]

not sure about you guys but i'm a big fan of the soundblaster 16.

[George]

Hi all...installed the AOpen Cobra AW-850 card...had some issues transferring at first.  Sounded fine on the fly then noticed the right channel had tons of clicks.  These are not on the DAT with headphones plugged in.  So i screwed with the settings...and it works now.  The trick is to get the reverse spdif setting to work.  I did this by unplugging the power from the dat, and plugging it back in.  Now transfers are clear.

hey, quick question, would i be able to digitally transfer Mindisc recordings via this soundcard?  

[phishn]

I can't see why not if your minidisc uses a SPDIF optical connector.  This card has both RCA and SPDIF and comes with an optical cable too.

[Brian Skalinder]

I can't see why not if your minidisc uses a SPDIF optical connector.  This card has both RCA and SPDIF and comes with an optical cable too.

Yeah, if the card has a S/PDIF optical input and your MD has a S/PDIF optical output, you should be all set.

[phishn]

don't buy the aopen card..its a piece of shit....pops, clicks, diginoise..no thanks...went back to my old soundcard which im willing to bet is bit perfect anyway..its way better than these c-media chipset cards.

[phishn]

bottom line..if you want bit perfectness..cough up the 150 bux for a audophile 24/96 thats suppored with all windows os'es

[jhirte]

I use an Echo Midi MIA card... works great. $160
friend of mine owns a Lynx ONE card.. $500 and up or something. he loves it though.

-Jim